GEORGE TOWN: This year, the scent of durian overpowered the smell of burning incense in columbaria and cemeteries during the Qing Ming festival. A current bumper harvest has sent the king of fruits onto the list of offerings this Chinese All Souls Day, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, as families brought durians to honour their ancestors. Tan said his family woke up at 3am to whip up the feast as offerings to their ancestors at the Batu Gantong columbarium. The burning of joss paper and other necessities is to ensure our ancestors will stay in comfort in the afterlife,” said Teh. Qing Ming, a Chinese tradition observed for more than 2,500 years, is commemorated 10 days before and 10 days after the actual date.

Source: The Star April 01, 2018 21:11 UTC